The state wildlife advisory board’s meeting, chaired by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal on Monday which coincided with International Tiger Day — gave its clearance to a large number of mining and road projects falling within or 10km from a sanctuary or national park.
During
the 10th meeting of the board held on Monday, the board cleared a forest department’s proposal to only allow laying of underground electrical cables or insulated cables in forest areas to prevent use of electrical wires for poaching.

Among other proposals that were passed are a proposal for underground mining by Hindustan Copper Ltd in 479.9 hectares falling within 10km of Kanha Tiger Reserve, diversion of 22.99 hectares for Balakot reservoir near Nauradehi reservoir, repair and widening of road from Kartoli to Kesli by cutting 166 trees in Singhauri Sanctuary, repair and widening of road from Rampura to Bajni involving cutting of 69 trees in Singhauri Sanctuary, 27.47 hectare of forestland for Gwalior- Jaipur transmission line through the Son Chiriya Sanctuary, survey for Gwalior bypass road through Son Chiriya Sanctuary.

Other commercial projects include gas pipeline from Shahdol to Phoolpur through the Son Gharial Sanctuary and a mining project falling within 10km of Sanjay Tiger Reserve, Sidhi.

Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said excess tigers in protected areas should be shifted to other areas as a conservation strategy.

The CM released a documentary ‘Grey Hornbill’ produced by Indore circle of forest department.

The CM said efforts to preserve vultures in the state should be made more effective.

He directed to seek information about innovations and efforts in the direction of vulture preservation.

He also sought suggestions from the board members.

Principal secretary, forests, Basant Pratap Singh said a proposal is being put up before the cabinet regarding veterinary doctors under forest department.

Chief wildlife warden Narendra Kumar said the department is making eco-system zones.